On the Seen

In this semi-regular column, we ask some of our favorite local artists and curators what new shows or artists are worth checking out. Whether it's a particular piece, an entire exhibition or just a current obsession, here are some artsy options from eyes we trust.

Jennifer DeCarlo

Owner, jdc Fine Art

" Women's Work: Masculinity and Gender in Contemporary Fiber Art at the San Diego Art Institute is a strong show. It tackles what for many are issues not to be discussed, and it does so without fear, reservation or judgment. The approachability of the media is not lost on viewers and many of the materials the works are made from are from our everyday materials: stockings, blankets, thread and clothing. Additionally, there's an exhibition handout that works a bit like a personal manifesto, but more importantly becomes a model through which those new to art-appreciation (or not) can engage the work. The show indeed tears down the desire to subscribe traditional gender roles."

Sheryl White

Vice Chair, City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture

"I first really fell in love with Roman de Salvo's work when I saw his light and metal sculptures that he has at the stairwell at the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown. A couple years after that, I saw his 'Legways' at the New Children's Museum. So to go from these metal pieces at MCASD to these wooden chariot things, it made me think this guy has range. My husband and I ended up buying one of his pieces at a show at Quint Gallery. He took wood and bent it around in these very unique shapes. All of his pieces look as if they're in motion somehow. For me, he's always being relevant for the time, and the fact that he's always changing makes him relevant at any time."

Ann Berchtold

Founder/Director, Art San Diego

"I recently had the opportunity to slip into Bread & Salt and experience Neil Shigley's 'Invisible Drawings and Prints' in almost complete solitude and with no distractions. Many of the works in the exhibition are portraits of San Diego's homeless population and are large-scale block prints on paper mounted on panels. Looking into the eyes of a person on the streets is sometimes hard to do. It can be unsettling and create mixed feelings. Standing in front of 'Mark' and looking into his eyes had an unexpectedly strong impact on me. I felt a strong desire to know more about his life. Shigley has an amazing ability to capture the character of people living on the streets in such a raw way. Their soul emanates from the work."